Portuguese · Barreiro, Portugal · Born 27 May 1994Technically exceptional Portuguese full-back whose ability to invert into midfield redefined the modern defender role under Pep Guardiola.
João Pedro Cavaco Cancelo was born in Barreiro, Portugal on 27 May 1994. After spells at Benfica, Valencia and Inter Milan, he joined Juventus before moving to Manchester City in 2019 for £60 million. Under Pep Guardiola, he transformed into one of the most innovative full-backs in world football, inverting into midfield and creating chances. He won three Premier League titles (2021, 2022, 2023), the Champions League in 2023, the FA Cup and League Cups. He made over 150 appearances for City. He has earned over 55 caps for Portugal. He later went on loan to Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
Key player in Manchester City's multiple Premier League title wins
His role under Guardiola — playing as an inverted full-back who drifted into central midfield — was so innovative it changed how coaches around the world think about full-backs.
Did You Know?How They Played
Attacking full-back with pace, dribbling ability and versatility to play on either flank
Career Honours
- Premier League 3x
- Champions League 2023
- FA Cup 1x
- League Cup 4x
- Premier League 2021
- Premier League 2022
- Premier League 2023
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benfica | 2015–2015 | — | 2 | 4 | #27 |
| Inter Milan | 2018–2018 | — | 144 | 31 | #10 |
| Manchester City | 2019–2023 | — | 121 | 51 | #10 |
| Benfica B | 2014–2015 | — | 0 | 0 | — |
| Valencia | 2015–2018 | — | 68 | 2 | — |
| Juventus | 2018–2019 | €40m | 34 | 1 | — |
| Bayern Munich | 2023–2024 | — | 42 | 3 | — |
 Portugal | — | — | 57 | 2 | — |
Portuguese Athletes